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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.200 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.200 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 11, 2024)

    In order to keep liquidity adequate at a reasonable level in the banking system, the People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB94.2 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on October 11, 2024.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Volume

    Rate

    7 days

    RMB94.2 billion

    1.50%

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月11日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held the 35th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak held the 35th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification

    October 11, 2024

    Alexander Novak held the 35th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification

    October 11, 2024

    Alexander Novak held the 35th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification

    October 11, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak held the 35th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held the 35th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Gazprom Mezhregiongaz LLC, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, the Federal State Budgetary Institution REA of the Ministry of Energy, regional headquarters for gasification and the Government Coordination Center.

    According to the Ministry of Energy, since the start of the pre-gasification program, more than 1.85 million applications have been submitted from households for gas supply. 1.32 million contracts have been concluded, which is 96% of the number of applications accepted. The rate of contract conclusion in the third quarter increased by 6% compared to the second quarter, and compared to the first quarter, the growth was 37.4%. Under more than 1 million contracts (81% of those concluded), gas has been supplied to the boundaries of plots, 656 thousand households have received gas in their homes, with 174 thousand of them since the beginning of 2024.

    In addition, work is being systematically carried out to connect gas to social, educational and medical institutions. 944 applications have been received from them, 820 contracts have been concluded. According to 459 of them, gas has been brought to the boundaries of the site.

    In Russia, according to Gazprom Mezhregiongaz, as of October 3, 10,810 garden non-profit partnerships (SNT) were identified during the inventory that meet the criteria for additional gasification. This work continues. In these SNT, more than 932 thousand households are not gasified, more than 340 thousand houses are defined as residential. Additional gasification will be carried out by 2030 in those SNTs where technical conditions will allow gas pipelines to be connected and where the owners of residential buildings at general meetings give consent to the work on public lands.

    Aleksandr Novak drew the special attention of the headquarters participants to the need to speed up the work on bringing gas both to the boundaries of the plots and to residential buildings. And he asked to intensify the work on informing citizens about the possibilities of receiving a comprehensive gas connection service by gas distribution organizations, and not by private companies, where the service may cost more. The Deputy Prime Minister instructed to consider the advisability of changing part of the regulatory documentation on gasification based on the proposals of Gazprom Mezhregiongaz.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52966/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Mammo Moment for Breast Cancer Awareness at Naval Hospital Bremerton

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Let’s take a mammo math moment.

    There are more than 60,000 women – 20 percent of active duty – in the U.S. Navy. Add another approximately 142,000 female spouses.

    Factor in statistical evidence that 13 percent are at risk of developing breast cancer. For that combined total of 202,000 women, there will be 26,260 who will experience breast cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed amongst females in the U.S.

    That’s one in eight.

    Early detection is the key to lessening any ominous odds for all females in the equation, with a mammogram the ideal screening tool for that one in eight.

    As well as the seven others.

    With the Department of Defense recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Defense Health Agency military treatment facilities like Naval Hospital Bremerton remind all eligible patients on the importance of screening and prevention of the disease.

    “Any woman over the age of 40 should be getting a mammography exam and continuing to do it every single year,” said Courtney Pease R.T. (R)(M) ARRT, NMRTC Bremerton Radiology, Department Mammography lead technologist. “And don’t skip. Because if you skip it can be harder to get back into it.”

    Pease is an avowed advocate of her chosen field, readily affirming that the mammography exam – able to detect cancerous tumors – is effective in identifying any type of potential breast cancer.

    The earlier the better.

    “It’s important because breast cancer rates are one in eight, regardless of family history,” Pease said. “If you’re getting your mammogram done every year it will increase the chance that we find any cancer early and small, which increases the survival rate if breast cancer is found.”

    According to Pease, a patient does not need a doctor to get a referral for a breast cancer screening appointment at Naval Hospital Bremerton.

    “If there’s no problems, no lumps, no bumps, no pain, no concern, just call [NHB’s Radiology department] Mammography, 360-475-4220, to request a breast cancer screening mammogram,” stated Pease. “If there are no problems, the patient is of age, and everything in their prior record looks good to go, we can get them scheduled.”

    The actual mammography exam – available for all active duty, retirees and dependents – takes about 10 minutes. Yet Pease notes that even before the actual mammogram, every female should take the time for a self-exam.

    “There are prominent breast radiologists in the field who recommend personal monthly checking. So, you’re in the shower. Do a quick little run through, see if you feel any lumps, bumps, anything thing of concern. If there looks or feels to be anything out of the normal, bring it up to your primary care doctor, then they can place a referral if diagnostic imaging is required,” recommended Pease.

    The risk of getting breast cancer increases as a woman ages. Research has found that cancers discovered during early mammogram screening exams are often smaller in size and more likely to be confined to the breast. When considering the two factors – the size and likelihood of spread – the importance of early detection becomes obvious.

    “It’s not as terrible as some think it is. It is uncomfortable. Not getting around that. But we work together, the patient and I, to make it tolerable,” explained Pease. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world and most would rather not be here, but when you’re done, you get peace of mind for your health. So it’s worth it. It’s like going to the dentist. No one wants to go and be told they got cavities. But then you go and you find out you don’t have cavities, it’s way better. We go for our peace of mind.”

    Although there is no definitive explanation what causes a case of breast cancer, what is known is that screening exams, increased awareness, and improved state-of-the-art quality in mammography treatment is critical to early detection and diagnosis.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Students discover UK Parliament on Learn with the Lords Day | House of Lords

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Learn with the Lords Day brought students from across the country to Parliament to learn more about the role and work of the House of Lords and meet a Lords member.

    Hear from the students who took part about what they learned.

    Find out more and apply for a session in your school https://learning.parliament.uk/en/learn-with-the-lords/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb8NMbhKkYI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update following allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Following media coverage relating to allegations against the late Mohamed Al Fayed and our public appeal for people to come forward and speak to police, the Met has been contacted by numerous people reporting their experiences.

    We continue to ask anyone who has been a victim of Al Fayed, or anyone with information they feel that police should be aware of relating to his activities, or those who facilitated the offending, to get in contact. Specialist detectives are available to listen to you, formally record any allegations, and signpost you to any support you may need.

    Commander Stephen Clayman said: “Since the broadcast of the documentary and our recent appeal, detectives have received numerous pieces of information, predominantly relating to the activities of Mohamed Al Fayed but some relating to the actions of others.

    “This has led to us record 40 new allegations, relating to 40 victim-survivors and covering offences including sexual assault and rape across a time period between 1979 and 2013. These are in addition to allegations we were aware of prior to the broadcast.

    “I recognise the courage it will have taken for people to take that step to speak to us about their experiences and I want to reassure anyone who has yet to make contact that we have specially trained detectives who will listen to you and support you.

    “All these reports will need to be formally logged and assessed to see if there are any allegations of criminality that can be pursued. This will take time, but we will ensure those who contact us are kept updated with progress.

    “We also continue work to make contact with lawyers representing individuals who have come directly to them, to ensure they are aware of our request to speak to police so any crimes can be recorded and the relevant support provided.

    “While the majority of information we have received relates to Al Fayed’s ownership of Harrods, we are contacting representatives of other organisations linked to Al Fayed to ensure anyone affected is identified and has the opportunity to speak with us.”

    There are various ways to contact police about your experience:

    – call the Complex Investigation Team on 020 8217 6582 or 6586 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Sunday;
    – call 101 at any time and quote CAD1920/26Sep;
    – email CSCMailbox-.ComplexInvestigationTeam@met.pnn.police.uk
    – use the following online portal here where you can provide information.

    It is important to make clear at this stage that it is not possible for criminal proceedings to be brought against someone who has died.

    This means there is no prospect of any conviction relating to Al Fayed himself.

    However, we continue to explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences.

    A full review of allegations previously made to police continues. We have now identified 21 separate allegations reported to us about Al Fayed prior to the recent media broadcast. This review will ensure there are no new lines of enquiry based on new information which has emerged and will include liaising with the Directorate of Professional Standards where appropriate.

    Previous allegations:

    In addition to the 19 allegations we were already aware of, a further two allegations have now been identified relating to Al Fayed. These 21 allegations resulted in crimes being recorded involving Al Fayed relating to 21 separate women and were reported to the Met between 2005 and 2023.

    The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1979 and 2013. Of these reports, four were allegations of rape, 16 were sexual assault and one related to trafficking.

    Between 2005 and 2023 we approached the Crown Prosecution Service on five occasions – two of these, in 2009 and 2015, were to pass full files of evidence. The remaining three approaches were for early investigative advice.

    In all 21 allegations that were reported to police there was no further action taken against Mohamed Al Fayed.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV supports court action to save the Boyne Bridge and challenges Translink attitude to architectural charity

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:
    “TUV has supported the campaign to preserve the Boyne Bridge for years and commends Billy Dickson BEM for the phenomenal effort he has put into the grassroots efforts to keep this historic part of Belfast’s heritage.
    “The demolition of the bridge will cause massive disruption to traffic flow in the city, regardless of whether Translink wins in the courts.
    “It is disgusting that Translink should seek to threaten the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, a charity, with a £100,000 per week bill if they dare to challenge the demolition of the bridge in court.
    “This is a matter I will be raising with the Minister for Infrastructure by way of a priority written question which I will submit today.”
    Note to editors
    Mr Gaston’s question is as follows:
    To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to make representations to Translink asking them to drop their threat to seek £100,000 a week costs from the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society should they go ahead with court action seeking to preserve the Boyne Bridge.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Inside ‘Learn with the Lords Day’: teachers share their stories | House of Lords

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Did you know you can apply for a free Learn with the Lords session for your school? A member of the House of Lords will visit your class to deliver a presentation and answer questions from pupils.

    The Learn with the Lords programme brings @UKParliament to life for students and helps them develop a better understanding of the vital role of the UK Parliament’s second chamber.

    Hear from teachers who took part in a special Learn with the Lords Day, which brought students from across the country to Parliament to learn more about the role and work of the House of Lords and meet a Lords member.

    Find out more and apply for a session in your school https://learning.parliament.uk/en/learn-with-the-lords/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t4qE_0q83s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 11/10/2024 Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross11/10/2024On Thursday, October 10, Mrs. Henryka Mościcka-Dendys met in Warsaw with Mr. Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

    Poland attaches great importance to the activities of the Committee and to compliance with international humanitarian law. During the meeting, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross informed about the tasks being carried out and the challenges they face during the current armed conflicts. Deputy Minister Mościcka-Dendys presented the guests with copies of the 5th Report on the implementation and dissemination of international humanitarian law in the Republic of Poland in the years 2019-2023, a cyclical publication resulting from the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with other ministries and non-governmental entities. On this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the purpose of the Report is to continue the review of national legislation and practice in the field of compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law.

    ***The International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC (ing. Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja – CICR) is an independent, neutral organization providing protection and humanitarian assistance to victims of war and other armed conflicts. The organization was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Geneva.

    Photo: Sebastian Indra/Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Photos (2)

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 11/10/2024 Savings Bond Sales Results in September

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    In September, we sold savings bonds worth PLN 5,775 million. In September, we sold the following bonds: 3-month (OTS1224) – PLN 127.8 million, 1-month (ROR0925) – PLN 1,881.1 million, 2-year (DOR0926) – PLN 415.9 million, 3-year (TOS0927) – PLN 2,087.0 million, 4-year (COI0928) – PLN 925.6 million, 10-year (EDO0934) – PLN 299.5 million. The most frequently purchased instruments were 3-year bonds – TOS. Individual buyers allocated PLN 2,087.0 million for their purchase (36% share in the sales structure). Interest was also enjoyed by 1-year bonds – ROR (33%) and 4-year – COI (16%). Next, savers chose 2-year bonds – DOR (7%) and 10-year – EDO (5%) and 3-month – OTS (2%). Customers allocated nearly PLN 38.4 million for the purchase of family bonds dedicated to beneficiaries of the Family 800 program. Family bonds are directed exclusively to people receiving benefits under the Family 800 program, who want to save for the future needs of their children. The beneficiaries of the program have different obligations depending on the amount of the childcare benefit granted. Family bonds are available for sale on an ongoing basis, so you can purchase them at any time. All types of bonds can be purchased at PKO Bank Polski branches and Customer Service Points of the PKO Bank Polski Brokerage House and in the network of bond sales points of Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA. Our bonds are also constantly available online in bank services and the PeoPay mobile application.

    September – most frequently chosen bonds

    In September, our clients allocated nearly PLN 5.8 billion for the purchase of retail bonds. The greatest interest was enjoyed by 3-year TOS bonds with a fixed interest rate – 36% share in sales. Another eagerly chosen savings product from our offer were 1-year bonds with a variable interest rate, based on the reference rate of the National Bank of Poland, which constituted 33% of the total sales value.

    – comments Jurand Drop, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Finance. October is the month of saving

    October 31st is World Savings Day, which is to remind us how important it is to manage our finances wisely and consciously. It is worth making generating and increasing savings a permanent element of household budgets. Treasury bonds support diez processors. All you need to do is choose the type of bond in which you want to invest your funds, deposit them and the rest is done automatically, without any additional costs. The registration account where our instruments are recorded is kept free of charge. Depending on the selected bond, interest is paid on an ongoing basis – during the life of the bond or at the end of the selected period. The maintenance-free nature of bonds is a great benefit for our clients, who can devote the time saved to other activities.

    – adds Minister Gota.Savings bonds in retail sales

    Type of bond

    Offer de Details (sale from October 1-31)

    Selling price

    OTS01253-monthly

    Three-month bonds are bonds with a fixed interest rate of 3.00% per annum. Interest is calculated on the value of PLN 100, and interest is paid after the end of saving (after three months from the date of purchase).

    PLN 100100.00 PLN when exchanging

    ROR10251-annual

    Annual bonds are variable-rate bonds. In the first month, the interest rate is 5.75% per annum. In subsequent monthly interest periods, the interest rate is equal to the NBP reference rate and a fixed margin of 0.00%. Interest is paid monthly.

    PLN 10099.90 PLN when exchanging

    DOR10262-year-old

    Two-year bonds are variable-rate bonds. In the first month, the interest rate is 5.90% per annum. In subsequent monthly interest periods, the interest rate is equal to the NBP reference rate and a fixed margin of 0.15%. Interest is paid monthly.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    TOS10273-year-old

    Three-year bonds are bonds with a fixed interest rate of 5.95% per annum. In the first year, interest is calculated from the value of PLN 100, and in subsequent years from the value increased by the interest for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings have ended.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    COI10284-year-old

    Four-year bonds are bonds that pay interest based on inflation.1 The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.30%. In subsequent years, the interest rate is equal to inflation plus a fixed margin of 1.50%. Interest is paid after each year of saving.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    EDO103410 summer

    Ten-year bonds are bonds whose interest rate is based on inflation1. The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.55%. In subsequent years, the interest rate is equal to inflation and a fixed margin of 2.00%. In the first year, interest is calculated on the value of PLN 100, and in subsequent years on the value increased by the interest calculated for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings are completed.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    ROS10306-year family bond

    Family Six-Year Bonds are bonds intended for beneficiaries of the Family 800 program. Their interest rate is preferential in relation to the bond included in the standard offer and is based on inflation1. The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.50%. In the following years, the interest rate is equal to inflation and a fixed margin of 2.00%. In the first year, interest is calculated from the value of PLN 100, and in the following years from the value increased by the interest calculated for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings are completed.

    100 PLN

    ROD103612 summer family obligation

    Family Twelve-Year Bonds are bonds intended for beneficiaries of the Family 800 program. Their interest rate is preferential in relation to the bond included in the standard offer and is based on inflation1. The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.80%. In the following years, the interest rate is equal to inflation and a fixed margin of 2.50%. In the first year, interest is calculated from the value of PLN 100, and in the following years from the value increased by the interest calculated for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings are completed.

    100 PLN

    1 the rate of increase in the prices of consumer goods and services, adopted for 12 months and announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office (GUS) in the month preceding the first month of a given interest period. How can I buy Treasury bonds? State Treasury bonds can be purchased: How to open an IKE-Bonds Account and an IKZE-Bonds Account? An IKE-Bonds Account or an IKZE-Bonds Account can be opened at any branch of PKO Bank Polski or POK of the PKO BP Brokerage House. You can also obtain remote access to your IKE- and IKZE-Bonds Account under the terms and conditions specified in the “Regulations on the use of access to the Registered Account in the field of Treasury bonds via telephone or the Internet”.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2024/2502 of 23 September 2024 implementing Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Agri-Food Days

    Source: European Union 2

    The EU Agri-Food Days allow stakeholders to discuss the outlook of European agriculture, agricultural market trends, food security, sustainability, digital technologies and data flows together with farmers, EU policy makers, business representatives, analysts and digital experts.

    This event allows participants to reflect on current and upcoming challenges in the European agri-food sector and assess how the common agricultural policy and the EU Green Deal can contribute to deliver a greener, fairer and more competitive agriculture in Europe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2456 of 12 September 2024 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden’s development assistance for global health and SRHR makes a difference and saves lives

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden’s development assistance for global health and SRHR makes a difference and saves lives – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    Sweden is an active force for child and maternal care, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and other health care around the world. Support to health care in Ukraine, access to SRHR, and fundamental health and vaccination campaigns are important focus areas. Cooperation with civil society is also being strengthened. The annual development assistance for health report, published today, 11 October, outlines all of this and much more.

    “Investments in global health lead to a safer and healthier world, in which more people are given the conditions to live and shape their own prosperity. Sweden’s broad efforts for global health and SRHR are often critical – not least operations to get vaccines and medicines to those most in need, but also our efforts to strengthen health and medical care in low- and middle-income countries,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

    Last year, Sweden’s development assistance for health totalled approximately SEK 5.7 billion. The annual development assistance for health report outlines Sweden’s overall support to global health and SRHR. It has been published every year since 2012 and is based on statistics from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). 

    In 2023, bilateral health assistance to Ukraine increased, helping to ensure access to basic and life-saving care – an area that has been hard-hit following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Government’s drive to support civil society organisations has contributed to preventive measures in low- and middle-income countries, including against sexual and gender-based violence. 

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: GESDA Summit 2024: Democratizing Science Literacy – High-Level Political Segment (EN)

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Council in German

    Bern, 11.10.2024 – Rede von Bundesrat Ignazio Cassis, Vorsteher des Eidgenössischen Departements für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (EDA) – Es gilt das gesprochene Wort

    Excellencies

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    Dear Guests

    Last year, I ended my speech with the words of Nobel laureate Hermann Hesse: “To achieve the possible, we must attempt the impossible – again and again.”

    And that’s exactly what we do, year after year. The rapid technological advances we’re witnessing are expanding the boundaries of civilization in ways we once considered impossible.

    This is where GESDA plays its role: it opens new frontiers, enabling us to not only imagine but also anticipate the future and prepare for the changes ahead with tangible, inclusive solutions.

    Things are moving fast, and so is GESDA.

    Following last year’s launch of the Open Quantum Institute, GESDA now presents the Anticipation Gateway Initiative, its second pioneering project, which is now entering a three-year prototyping phase.

    I want to congratulate the entire GESDA team and its supporters for their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries for multilateralism and humanity.

    New technologies are reshaping relationships —between people, organisations, and our environment. While this is not new, the pace of progress now far exceeds human evolution, creating deeper divides in our societies.

    Ladies and gentlemen

    What’s on GESDA’s radar? What’s cooking in the labs? Let me highlight two rapidly advancing fields: synthetic biology and neuroscience.

    1) Synthetic biology: This field merges biology and engineering, allowing us to create new living organisms or modify existing ones to perform novel tasks—potentially enabling us to program living cells like computers in the future.

    Over the next five years, integrating synthetic biology with AI will speed up the development of new biological agents:

    • On the upside, it could lead to the rapid development of vaccines and treatments, helping us live healthier, longer lives.
    • On the downside, some agents could be misused as biological weapons.

    2) Neurotechnology: This field involves technologies that interact with the nervous system to monitor or influence brain activity. GESDA foresees that next-gen implants will stimulate multiple brain regions, with AI and brain-computer interfaces becoming a reality soon.

    ·     The bright side: Neurotechnology could help paraplegics walk again.

    ·     The dark side: It might also be used to enhance soldiers’ abilities, improving precision, resilience, and reducing sleep needs—raising ethical concerns we must address.

    Dear guests

    The rapid acceleration of science will deeply impact every aspect of our lives, including international peace and security. Given Switzerland’s history of innovation and mediation, we believe it’s crucial to focus on preventing and managing conflicts that may arise from emerging technologies.

    As science advances, diplomacy must keep pace.

    In this spirit, during our presidency of the UN Security Council this October, Switzerland will propose a presidential statement to highlight the importance of monitoring scientific advances and their effects on global peace and security.

    While the UNSC currently addresses pressing issues such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Yemen, and Sudan, we must also view global dynamics through the lens of science. Leaders need to prepare for future science-driven challenges, as they will increasingly face conflicts fuelled by technology.

    This will be my message as President of the Security Council on 21 October in New York. Specifically, this will mean discussing the forms of warfare we wish to avoid, establishing rules, and setting clear limits.

    Thanks to GESDA’s Anticipation Gateway Initiative, we can begin shaping this vision with three key instruments:

    1. The training framework for anticipatory leadership prepares decision-makers for a rapidly evolving world, helping them understand breakthrough technologies.

    2. The public portal raises global awareness on these issues (this will also feature at the Swiss Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Kansai).

    3. The anticipation observatory provides a platform for everyone to engage in these vital conversations.

    Ladies and gentlemen

    I began with a Nobel laureate, so I’ll close with another. Marie Curie once said: “In life, nothing is to be feared, everything is to be understood. It is time to understand more, so that we may fear less.“

    As we conclude this month’s Swiss presidency of the UNSC, my hope is that we leave New York with a sense of accomplishment—having made progress in ensuring the Council remains committed to monitoring scientific developments and their impact on global peace and security.

    In UN terms, the Council must stay engaged and encourage others to continue this crucial discussion. The more we understand, the less we will fear.

    Now, turning ‘back to the present’, I look forward to hearing the perspectives and insights from my ministerial colleagues.

    Thank you.

    Adresse für Rückfragen

    Kommunikation EDA
    Bundeshaus West
    CH-3003 Bern
    Tel. Medienstelle: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-Mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @EDA_DFAE

    Herausgeber

    Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland and US sign new agreement on the exchange of trainees and young professionals

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Bern-Wabern, 11.10.2024 – Switzerland and the US today signed a new agreement in Bern on the exchange of trainees and young professionals. The agreement will make it easier for young Swiss people to receive training in the US, and for Americans to do the same in Switzerland, for short periods. This new agreement replaces the agreement from 1980.

    State Secretary for Migration Christine Schraner Burgener signed the new agreement in Bern today. It will take effect from 30 November, and is aimed at young Swiss people between 18 and 35 years old. Those wishing to participate must either be in training or have a vocational diploma or higher education qualification. People who do not meet these requirements may still be eligible if they have some professional experience. In particular, they must be seeking to complete their studies or to improve their skills in their specialisation.

    For both Swiss and American participants, residence and work permits are issued for up to 12 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension.

    Purpose of the agreement

    The new agreement makes it easier for young professionals from both countries to obtain visas, and opens up the exchange programme to a wider range of people than under the 1980 agreement. The immersive experience of training abroad allows participants to improve their language, cultural and social skills.

    Under the old programme, more than 100 people each year from Switzerland and as many from the United States benefited from an exchange in the 1980s and early 1990s. This number has fallen steadily since the 2000s, mainly because of changes in the requirements for obtaining a US visa.

    Switzerland also has trainee exchange agreements in place with Argentina, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, Tunisia and Indonesia. Switzerland also has individual agreements with the member states of the European Union; however, these are no longer applied because the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU offers more favourable conditions.

    Since the first trainee agreement was concluded (with Belgium in 1936), almost 40,000 Swiss trainees have been able to work temporarily abroad. Conversely, more than 58,000 foreign trainees have had the opportunity to experience the Swiss work environment.

    Address for enquiries

    SEM Information and Communication, medien@sem.admin.ch

    Publisher

    State Secretariat for Migration
    https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on post-election developments

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on post-election developments – Government.se

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    Statement by Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The European Union continues to follow developments in Venezuela with great concern. Reports from international election observation missions clearly state that the presidential elections on 28th July did not meet international standards of electoral integrity.

    Despite its own commitment, the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) has not yet published the official voting records (“actas”) of polling stations. Without evidence to support them, the results published on 2nd August by the CNE cannot be recognised. Any attempt to delay the full publication of the official voting records will only cast further doubt on the credibility of the officially published results.

    Copies of the electoral voting records published by the opposition, and reviewed by several independent organisations, indicate that Edmundo González Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the Presidential elections by a significant majority.

    The European Union thus calls for further independent verification of the electoral records, if possible by an internationally reputed entity.

    At this critical time, it is important that demonstrations and protests remain peaceful. The European Union calls for calm and restraint. Venezuelan authorities, including security forces, must fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and of assembly.

    The European Union is seriously concerned about the growing number of arbitrary detentions and the continued harassment of the opposition. The European Union calls on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners.

    The European Union welcomes the efforts of regional partners, with whom it remains in close contact, to promote dialogue and a negotiated solution to the crisis.

    Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and to solve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis.

    The statement published on the website of the European Council

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden’s development assistance for health 2023

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden’s development assistance for health 2023 – Government.se

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    Report from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    In 2023,Sweden’s development assistance for health totalled approximately SEK 5.7 billion. Support to health care in Ukraine, access to SRHR, and fundamental health and vaccination campaigns are important focus areas.

    Download:

    Sweden’s development assistance for health amounted to approximately
    SEK 5.7 billion in 2023, accounting for 10.4 per cent of Sweden’s total
    development assistance, excluding deductions for asylum costs. Approximately SEK 3.4 billion (equivalent to 61 per cent) of this was channelled via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The remaining funds, just over SEK 2.2 billion (corresponding to 39 per cent), were channelled via Sida’s bilateral, regional and global strategies.

    The total amount of development assistance for health has varied over the years. In 2020–2021, it was record high in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Percentage-wise, total development assistance for health in 2023 decreased slightly compared to pre-pandemic levels. During the period 2019–2023, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs managed a larger financial share of Sweden’s development assistance for health than Sida.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES, Oct. 10, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES, Oct. 10, 2024

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
     CHAIRPERSON

     

    NEWS RELEASE 

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

     

    TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF VARIOUS DLNR-MANAGED LANDS FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES

     

    (HILO) — The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will conduct animal control activities for trapping mouflon/feral sheep hybrids; staff control and/or aerial shooting from helicopters for feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids within Palila critical habitat in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A), Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve (Unit K), Palila Mitigation Lands, and the Kaʻohe Game Management Area (Unit G) on the island of Hawaiʻi.

     

    Aerial shooting is required for compliance with the federal court order mandating the removal of sheep and goats from critical habitat for Palila, a bird endemic to Hawaiʻi. The portion of Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A) south of the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area and bordering the Pohakuloa Training Area will remain open for mammal hunting.

     

    Control is scheduled for October 30, 2024. Public access to Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve, Palila Mitigation Lands, the Kaʻohe Game Management Area and Mauna Kea Hunter Access Road will be restricted and allowed by permit only for animal salvage purposes on October 30 at 7 a.m.

     

     

    # # # 

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    Photographs – Temporary Closure for Animal Control (various dates):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/abpfno8q08g4zxthcl0li/ACDcwNEUuxDkfT76Kf0AWhM?rlkey=t9mkihd76xptef1gxqg036vxp&st=rteh5jq8&dl=0

     

    DLNR Legal Notice: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2024/10/LN-Mauna-Kea-Closure-10-9-249.pdf

     

    Hunting announcement web page: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/hunting-announcements/

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California’s new, cutting-edge dashboards map the progress of wildfire resilience work that protects communities

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 10, 2024

    What you need to know: California rolls out new dashboards showing a ramp up in fuels management to help protect California communities from wildfires and improve forest health.

    SACRAMENTO – California unveiled newly updated, first-of-their-kind dashboards that will help Californians track the state’s wildfire prevention work. Along with these new tools, state officials announced that 700,000 acres of land were treated for wildfire resilience in 2023, and that prescribed fire more than doubled between 2021 and 2023. For the first time, all fuels management projects are being tracked in one place, on one map, delivering valuable information for project planning and wildfire response.

    “Everything we do to protect California from wildfires is connected, and nowhere else has as many tools to show the full picture while improving land management and supporting firefighters. We’re embracing the technology and best practices that will help us fight wildfires, and making sure Californians see the tireless work in their communities.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    New tools to track fire-prevention progress

    The updated Interagency Treatment Dashboard, led by the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, now covers data from 2021 to 2023, showing the acres of completed wildfire resilience (or “treatments”) work. The dashboard combines data from federal, state, tribal, local, and private entities, creating a comprehensive hub for wildfire prevention information.

    Showing how wildfire resilience projects protect communities
    CAL FIRE also launched the Fuel Treatment Effectiveness Dashboard, which tracks how wildfire prevention projects have helped shield communities and landscapes from wildfires. Utilizing real-time data, this tool allows officials to measure how fuel treatments have impacted fire behavior, evacuation routes, and firefighting efforts during recent fires.

    Over 700,000 acres of wildfire prevention work

    In 2023, 700,000 acres were treated to help protect against wildfires, with many protected acres receiving multiple treatments such as thinning, prescribed fire, or other practices to improve forest health and community resilience. The Task Force is tracking both “activity acres” (more than 1,000,000) – which reflect the level of effort conducted through various state, federal, and private programs – and “footprint acres” (nearly 700,000) which show the total geographic area treated in a calendar year. 

    The 2023 data shows a significant increase in acres treated since 2021, largely due to a significant expansion of prescribed fire treatments, which more than doubled since 2021. The increase in pace and scale of wildfire resilience projects has been led by the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, and its work to implement the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. The Dashboard is part of the strategy to connect the various statewide entities committed to this monumental task.

    • Investing in wildfire resilience. Governor Newsom and the legislature maintained $2.6 billion in funding over seven years, in addition to new investments of $200 million per year going forward, for healthy forest and fire prevention programs, including prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects.
    • More boots on the ground than ever before. The administration is implementing shorter workweeks for state firefighters to prioritize firefighter wellbeing, while  adding 2,400 additional state firefighters to CAL FIRE’s ranks over the next five years.
    • Expanding the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet. Governor Newsom has overseen the expansion of California’s aerial firefighting fleet, including the addition of more than 16 helicopters with several equipped for night operations, expanded five helitack bases, and assumed ownership of seven C-130 air tankers, making it the largest fleet of its kind globally. The state also adds to its world-leading air attack capacity through recent new funding to contract 24 additional non-state owned firefighting aircraft.
    • Cutting-edge drone technology. CAL FIRE has doubled its use of drones for critical tasks like aerial ignition during prescribed burns, wildfire containment, and real-time assessments.
    • Artificial intelligence and real-time data tools. The state is leveraging AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker and the Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) to provide real-time mapping of wildfires.
    • Advanced mapping and satellite technology. California has partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to use satellites for wildfire detection and invested in LiDAR technology to create detailed 3D maps of high-risk areas, helping firefighters better understand and navigate complex terrains.

    Recent news

    Oct 10, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of Ethel Kennedy:“California joins the nation in mourning the passing of Ethel Kennedy, beloved family matriarch and powerful force for…

    Oct 9, 2024

    News In total, California has now deployed 354 highly specialized personnel to support recent hurricane response effortsSACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida tonight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of an additional 70…

    Oct 9, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Jennifer Troia, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Social Services. Troia has served as Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Authorizes Café Duck Butt to Reopen Following Correction of Violations

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Authorizes Café Duck Butt to Reopen Following Correction of Violations

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH AUTHORIZES CAFÉ DUCK BUTT TO REOPEN FOLLOWING CORRECTION OF VIOLATIONS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024                                                                                                    24-134

    HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch issued Café Duck Butt a red placard and ordered the establishment to close on Oct. 8, due to the establishment’s inability to meet food safety requirements. Following the correction of the violations, a green placard and reopening was authorized on Oct. 9.

    Café Duck Butt, located at 901 Kawaiahaʻo Street, in Honolulu, received the red placard and was ordered to immediately close on Oct. 8 due to a lack of electricity and its inability to power refrigerators needed to keep food safe to consume. A follow-up inspection was conducted on Oct. 9, once power was restored which found all critical violations were resolved.

    Café Duck Butt was advised that refrigeration equipment must always be operational. Food establishments must close in the event of a power outage to protect customers from potential foodborne illnesses, some of which, may be very severe.

    The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.

    The branch also investigates the sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration; and is charged with mitigating the effects of these incidents to prevent any future occurrences. DOH food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.

    For more information on the department’s placarding program go to http://health.hawaii.gov/san/

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawai‘i State Department of Health

    808-586-4407

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Signs Ninth Emergency Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS NINTH PROCLAMATION
    RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 10, 2024

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed the Ninth Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing, bolstering efforts to build more than 13,000 affordable housing units for working-class families over the next three years.

    “We know that the key factor affecting Hawai‘i’s cost of living is affordable housing and my administration has been working from day one, with the counties and our partners, to break down barriers that can impede housing development. This is another step forward on the progress we have been making,” said Governor Green.

    The latest proclamation places a pause on the automatic adoption of county building codes, giving the counties additional time to review, amend and adopt the latest state and national building codes to suit their particular safety and design standards and needs.

    The previous Emergency Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing suspended the State Building Code Council (SBCC), but it did not suspend the counties’ authority to update and amend their own countywide building codes according to their own building and safety standards. Under the current proclamation, counties retain the authority to update building codes at their discretion.

    Adopting the county building codes is part of a complex, three-step process that takes years to implement. The International Code Council, National Fire Protection Agency and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials publish model codes every three years.

    These model codes are generic and are not tailored to the unique geographic and climate challenges in Hawaiʻi.

    Under state law, the SBCC has two years to amend and adopt the model codes, or the model codes automatically become the statewide code. The counties then have another two years after that to update their building codes to meet these building and safety standards, or the state code automatically becomes the county code.

    The 2021 building codes (published in October 2020) were automatically adopted by the state, and the counties have until the end of October of this year to adopt them.

    Suspending the automatic adoption of the latest codes will allow the state and counties to leapfrog over amending the 2021 statewide and model codes and focus their review efforts on the 2024 codes. This will provide more consistency and stability in the construction of affordable housing.

    The Ninth Emergency Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing continues the groundbreaking work by the Green Administration and the many housing stakeholders in previous emergency proclamations by:

    • Prioritizing the many state and county affordable housing projects to create thousands of new low-income and workforce housing units; 
    • Expanding the affordability threshold for projects. Developers must now produce 60% of their units at 140% AMI (area median income) or less to benefit from the waivers and exemptions allowed under the proclamation; 
    • Exempting certified affordable housing projects from school impact fees and general excise taxes automatically to offset rising interest rates and increased construction costs, to keep the cost of units as low as possible. 

    The latest emergency proclamation will remain in force for the next 60 days and it is anticipated that Governor Green will retain much of the provisions in the latest emergency proclamation when it expires December 9, 2024.

    A copy of the executed EP can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Nene Killed in Hit and Run in Hilo, Oct. 10, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Nene Killed in Hit and Run in Hilo, Oct. 10, 2024

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    NEWS RELEASE

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

    HIT AND RUN DRIVER KILLS NĒNĒ IN LILIʻUOKALANI PARK AND GARDENS

     

    (HILO, HAWAI‘I) – A male nēnē, banded as 595, was killed while apparently crossing a road in Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens off Banyan Drive early this morning.

    The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) received a call about the incident before its offices opened and a staff member responded and picked up the bird. DOFAW plans to have the dead nēnē tested for toxoplasmosis, a deadly disease spread by cats.

    McGuire said, “Since people have been regularly feeding nēnē in the park for many months now, they’ve grown accustomed to humans (habituated). This is a primary reason we’ve pleaded with folks to stop feeding feral cats. Yet even after one woman was cited earlier this year, regular feeding is continuing.”

    Sadly, the male nēnē’s  mate, with a leg band of NTC, has now lost her partner, and experienced trauma with two of her chicks. One chick, born this season, died of suspected toxoplasmosis in the spring. Another, nicknamed Onion and banded as NYN, was abducted from another Hilo park several years ago, but eventually recovered, returned to its parents and then released into a bird sanctuary.

    “Nēnē’s normally have mate fidelity and will breed for life with their partners. In this case NTC had one offspring bird-napped, one apparently felled by a disease spread by feral cats and at least one partner killed,” McGuire noted.

    The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has opened an investigation and is encouraging anyone who may have seen a vehicle in the park early Thursday morning to report it. Better yet, is if the person who hit the bird steps forward.

    Nēnē regularly cross the roads in the park, traveling to cat feeding locations put out by people. DOCARE officers are aware of the feeding and regularly patrol the park looking for anyone who is putting food out. Anyone caught placing plates of food that nēnē can eat can be cited and face criminal prosecution.

    Witnesses can contact DOCARE at 643-DLNR or via the DLNRTip app, both anonymously. Or they can call the DOCARE Branch Office in Hilo at 808-933-3460.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Nēnē, and cat feeding at Liliʻuokalani Park (April 30, 2024):

    Video – Nēnē crossing Liliʻuokalani Park road:

    Photographs – Nēnē NTC and 595 (from Nēnē Research & Conservation):

    Media Contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLE Deputy Sheriffs Arrest Unruly Passenger

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLE Deputy Sheriffs Arrest Unruly Passenger

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

    Ka ʻOihana Hoʻokō Kānāwai

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    JORDAN LOWE

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

     

    DLE Deputy Sheriffs Arrest Unruly Passenger

    HONOLULU – Deputy Sheriffs with the Department of Law Enforcement arrested a passenger on United Airlines flight #1175 shortly after the landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this morning.

    The passenger allegedly created an in-flight disturbance and interfered with the flight crew. Other passengers assisted the crew in restraining the man.

    Upon arrival, Deputy Sheriffs removed the man from the aircraft. He was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation.

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Brooks Baehr

    Public Information Officer

    Department of Law Enforcement

    Office 808-587-5051

    Mobile 808-892-9272

    Email: [email protected]

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 10.10.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 10, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Kristen Erickson-Donadee, of Folsom, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Child Support Services. Erickson-Donadee has been Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Child Support Services since 2020 and has served in several roles there since 2009, including Chief Counsel, Assistant Chief Counsel, Attorney and Contract Attorney. She was an Attorney at the Sierra Nevada Regional Department of Child Support from 2006 to 2012. Erickson-Donadee earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from California State University, Sonoma. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $226,334. Erickson-Donadee is a Democrat. 

    Jay Wierenga, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Wierenga has served as Communications Director at the California Fair Political Practices Commission since 2014. He was Principal at Jay Alan Communications from 2012 to 2014. Wierenga was Vice-President at Aderfo Group from 2011 to 2012. He was a Strategic Communications Advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2011 to 2012. Wierenga served as Director of Communication and Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Homeland Security from 2007 to 2011. He was Director of Communications at the California Conservation Corps in 2007. Wierenga was an Anchor, Co-Host and Managing Editor at KFBK-AM from 2003 to 2007. He was an Anchor at KTXL-TV from 2000 to 2003 and at KHPO-TV from 1995 to 1999. Wierenga is a member of the KVIE-TV Community Advisory Board. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Radio and TV from Dordt University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $160,200. Wierenga is a Democrat. 

    Hayley Figeroid, of Carmichael, has been appointed Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Office of Data and Innovation, where she has served as Head of Government Relations since 2022. Figeroid held several positions at Covered California from 2018 to 2022, including Assistant Deputy Director of Plan Management, Senior Manager of Distribution Services and Manager of the Certification Services Team. She  was an Exam Specialist at the Contractors State License Board from 2016 to 2018. Figeroid was a Provider Enrollment Analyst at the California Department of Health Care Services from 2015 to 2016. She was an English Teacher at St. Francis High School from 2010 to 2015. Figeroid is a member of California Women Lead and the Sacramento State Alumni Association. She earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Concordia University, a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of San Francisco. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $165,000. Figeroid is registered without party preference.

    Ludmil Alexandrov, of San Diego, has been appointed to the Carcinogen Identification Committee. Alexandrov has been Chief Scientific Officer at io9 since 2021, and a Professor at the University of California, San Diego since 2017. He was a J Robert Oppenheimer Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow at the Los Alamos National Laboratory from 2014 to 2017. Alexandrov was a Consultant at Deloitte from 2007 to 2009. He is a member of the American Association for Advancement of Science, the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society, the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Statistical Association, and the International Society for Computational Biology. Alexandrov earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cancer Genetics from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Science degree in Computational Biology from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Neumont College of Computer Science. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Alexandrov is registered without party preference. 

    Dean Felsher, of San Mateo, has been appointed to the Carcinogen Identification Committee. Felsher has been an Oncologist, Cancer Scientist and Professor at Stanford University since 1999 and Director of Translational Research and Applied Medicine since 2011. He was an Oncology Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco from 1994 to 1999. Felsher earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in Medicine and Molecular Biology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of Chicago. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Felsher is a Democrat.

    Mark Toney, of Lakeport, has been reappointed to the State Bar of California Board of Trustees, where he has served since 2020. Toney has been Executive Director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008. He was Executive Director of the Center for Third World Organizing from 2000 to 2004 and Executive Director of Direct Action for Rights and Equality from 1986 to 1994. He was Lead Organizer at Workers’ Association for Guaranteed Employment from 1982 to 1985. Toney is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Whistleblower Center. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brown University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $50 per diem. Toney is a Democrat.

    Recent news

    Oct 10, 2024

    News What you need to know: California rolls out new dashboards showing a ramp up in fuels management to help protect California communities from wildfires and improve forest health. SACRAMENTO – California unveiled newly updated, first-of-their-kind dashboards that…

    Oct 10, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of Ethel Kennedy:“California joins the nation in mourning the passing of Ethel Kennedy, beloved family matriarch and powerful force for…

    Oct 9, 2024

    News In total, California has now deployed 354 highly specialized personnel to support recent hurricane response effortsSACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida tonight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of an additional 70…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: For Immediate Release: GOVERNOR GREEN ESTABLISHES HISTORIC INAUGURAL HAWAIʻI STATE LGBTQ+ COMMISSION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    For Immediate Release: GOVERNOR GREEN ESTABLISHES HISTORIC INAUGURAL HAWAIʻI STATE LGBTQ+ COMMISSION

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 

    KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA LAWELAWE KANAKA 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    RYAN I. YAMANE

    DIRECTOR 

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    JOSEPH CAMPOS II 

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR 

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE 

       

     TRISTA SPEER 

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR 

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

    GOVERNOR GREEN ESTABLISHES HISTORIC INAUGURAL HAWAIʻI STATE

    LGBTQ+ COMMISSION

     

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawaiʻi has established an advisory body to develop and improve the state’s interaction with its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) citizens in accordance with HRS 369. The commission, one of few in the country, is comprised of eight voting members.

    • Commission Chair – Kathleen O’Dell, Ph.D. (she/her) – representing the City and County of Honolulu
    • Michael Golojuch Jr. (he/him) – representing the City and County of Honolulu
    • Secretary (temporary) Joe Tolbe (he/him) – representing Maui County
    • Finance Director Shanda Brack (she/her) – representing the Hawai‘i Sexual and Gender Minority working group out of the Department of Health
    • Sandy Harjo-Livingston, Ph.D. (he/him/they/them) – representing the City and County of Honolulu
    • Philip Steinbacher, Ph.D. (he/him) – representing Kaua‘i County
    • Joseph “Rocco” Vick (he/him) – representing Hawai‘i County
    • Richard Velasquez (he/him) – representing the City and County of Honolulu

    The commission operates administratively under the Department of Human Services.

    “The eight commissioners come to the table with a wide range of diverse and relevant experience and history,” stated commission Chair O’Dell. “It’s easy to feel how committed the members are and how enthusiastically they honor the responsibilities they are charged to take on.”

    The commissioners were sworn in on June 28, 2024. by Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke. June 28 was selected by the commissioners as it commemorates the 55th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a significant date in LGBTQ+ history and efforts toward equality.

    Powers and duties of the commission include creating public awareness and understanding of the responsibilities, needs, potentials and contributions of Hawai’i’s LGBTQ+ community; maintaining contacts with appropriate federal, state, local and international agencies concerned with the status of Hawaiʻi’s LGBTQ+ community; recommending legislative and administrative action on equal treatment and opportunities for members of Hawai’i’s LGBTQ+ community, and submitting to the governor and legislature an annual report with recommendations.

    In addition to the eight voting members, the commission includes six ex officio, nonvoting members or their designees, including the superintendent of the Department of Education, the president of the University of Hawai‘i system, the director of Labor and Industrial Relations, the director of Human Resources Development, the director of Human Services; and the director of the Department of Health.

    Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi invited members of the commission to attend the ceremony for Honolulu Pride Month to raise the Pride flag above the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds and to proclaim the Wilhelmina Tenney Rainbow Shower Tree as the “Official Pride Tree of Honolulu.” This took place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in front of the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building. Commissioners also helped to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month at the Aliʻiōlani Hale that evening and attended a round table discussion featuring current Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna,and former Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justices Steve Henry Levinson and Daniel R. Foley. They discussed Hawaiʻi’s entrance onto the marriage equality stage. The evening concluded with the debut of a traveling exhibition “Kaulike No Nā Mea A Pau: Toward Queer Justice in Hawaiʻi.”

     

    Additionally, the commission will be participating in the Honolulu Pride Parade at 4:00 pm, Saturday, October 19, 2024, down Kalākaua Avenue. Honolulu Pride is celebrated in October to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month, National Coming Out Day and Spirit Day.

    Commission Contact:

    Commission Chair – Kathleen O’Dell, Ph.D. (she/her)

    [email protected]

    Media Contact:

    Amanda Stevens

    Public Information Officer

    Department of Human Services

    [email protected]

    Photos courtesy of the State of Hawaiʻi LQBTQ+ Commission

    NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be punishable under state and federal law. If you have received this communication and/or attachments in error, please notify the sender via email immediately and destroy all electronic and paper copies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Travels to Nevada

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Travels to Nevada

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN TRAVELS TO NEVADA

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 10, 2024

    HONOLULU  ̶  Governor Josh Green, M.D., will travel to Nevada on Thursday, October 10, to learn about sports tourism.

    Governor Green is scheduled to return to Honolulu on Tuesday, October 15. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will serve as acting Governor from the night of October 10 through the morning of October 12. Attorney General Anne Lopez will serve as acting Governor from the morning of October 12 through the afternoon of October 15.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft enterprises released more than 3 million fry into Russian waters

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft’s production and processing enterprises released more than 3.3 million fish fry of various species into their natural habitat in August–October.

    Preservation of biological diversity in the regions of presence, including replenishment of water resources with valuable fish species, is one of the main priorities of Rosneft’s environmental activities. At the request of oil workers, young fish are grown in nurseries, where optimal conditions for development are created: appropriate temperature conditions, high-quality nutrition and optimal water composition, which increases the chances of survival of the fry in the natural environment.

    In the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, RN-Yuganskneftegaz employees released more than 1.5 million young Siberian sturgeon into water bodies. Tyumenneftegaz specialists released more than 200,000 young muksun, a valuable species of the whitefish family, into the Baibalakovskaya channel, from where the grown fish migrate to the Ob River. Kondaneft also replenished the rivers of the Ob-Irtysh basin with 440,000 sturgeon young, and Sibneftegaz with 140,000 young broad whitefish.

    Employees of the Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz and RN-Vankor enterprises released more than 650 thousand young sterlet of the Yenisei population into the Yenisei River in the Sukhobuzimsky District of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The release site was determined by ichthyologists taking into account the hydrological conditions of the water body, temperature, chemical composition of the water, as well as the natural food base necessary for this type of fish. Together with young specialists of RN-Vankor, schoolchildren from the Movement of the First took part in the release.

    Employees of the East Siberian Oil and Gas Company released more than 17,000 grayling fry into the Yenisei River in the Republic of Khakassia. The Yenisei waters were also replenished by RN-Shelf-Arktika – the company’s ecologists released almost 110,000 fry of the endangered Siberian sturgeon into the river. Thanks to the systematic work on artificial stocking, which is carried out by the Company’s subsidiaries, the population of valuable fish species in Siberian reservoirs has grown significantly in recent years.

    During the summer-autumn period, Bashneft released more than 100,000 sterlet, muksun, and salmon fry into the reservoirs of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, which helps restore the ecosystems of the rivers and lakes of these regions. In September, a batch of 100,000 sterlet fry bred in specialized fish farms of the Holy Mother of God Kazan Monastery was released into the Belaya River in Bashkortostan, as well as into the Nizhnekamsk Reservoir in the Republic of Tatarstan. The sterlet was carefully transported to the release site in vehicles equipped with special devices for supplying and regulating oxygen levels and monitoring water temperature. Activists from the children’s and youth organization “Movement of the First” took part in the release of the fry.

    Workers of the Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery, together with their children and activists of the “Movement of the First”, released 13 thousand sterlet fry into the Volga near the village of Vinnovka in the Samara Region. The enterprise has been systematically engaged in the reproduction of the Volga’s bioresources for 10 years.

    Employees of the Syzran Oil Refinery, together with members of the Movement of the First, released more than 40,000 sterlet fry into the Saratov Reservoir. The sterlet is a native Volga fish that, due to a number of unfavorable factors, is on the verge of extinction. Thanks to a special program, in which Rosneft enterprises are also participating, the sterlet population in the Volga is gradually growing.

    The Company’s subsidiaries located in the Irkutsk Region took part in the fish stocking campaign. Verkhnechonskneftegaz released 19,000 carp fry (each fry weighs 0.5 g) into the Belaya River. Under favorable conditions, the carp fry reaches a weight of 1-1.5 kg in a year. Employees of the Angarsk Petrochemical Company released 1,500 fry of the Baikal population of Siberian sturgeon, listed in the Red Book of Russia, into Lake Baikal. This is the second year in a row that ANHK has released this valuable representative of cartilaginous fish. In natural spawning conditions, the survival rate of Baikal sturgeon is low, so breeding fish in an artificial environment and subsequent stocking is an effective way to maintain the population of fish species valuable to the region.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 11, 2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220890/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Gradual trade recovery underway despite regional conflicts, policy uncertainty

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The October update of the WTO’s Global Trade Outlook and Statistics largely reaffirms the April forecast, pointing to a gradual recovery in merchandise trade despite widening regional conflicts and increasing policy uncertainty. However, at the regional level, we have seen weaker-than-expected European trade and stronger-than-expected Asian exports.

    Since the last report, inflation has fallen, as expected, in advanced economies, prompting central banks to begin lowering interest rates. We expected these developments to boost consumption and investment, thereby increasing demand for imports. In particular, we projected that Asian economies would lead the trade recovery, while North America, Europe and other regions would contribute more modestly, yet positively.

    Broadly speaking, these expectations have materialized. As shown in Chart 1, we now anticipate a 2.7% increase in global merchandise trade volume in 2024, slightly up on our previous estimate of 2.6%. However, the forecast for 2025 has been revised downward, from 3.3% to 3.0%. Trade growth in 2024 and 2025 will likely be accompanied by real global GDP growth of 2.7% at market exchange rates, both this year and next.

    While the overall figures for global trade and output have remained stable, notable shifts in regional trade growth are emerging. Downside risks to the forecast have also intensified, particularly with the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which could further disrupt trade flows.

    Two key differences stand out between the current forecast and the previous one. First, trade growth in European economies has been weaker than expected, affecting both imports and exports. Second, export growth in Asian economies has been stronger than expected.

    As illustrated in Chart 2, Asia is expected to contribute more than any other region to global export growth in 2024, adding 2.8 percentage points to the projected 3.3% growth in exports. The region is also expected to contribute 1.4 percentage points to the 2.0% import growth foreseen for this year. Meanwhile, North America is expected to contribute 0.6 percentage points to import growth in 2024, partly offsetting Europe’s negative contribution of -0.8 percentage points. Regional trade contributions should stabilize in 2025, aligning more closely with medium-term trends.

    The stronger-than-expected export performance in Asia has been driven by increased exports of electronics, automotive products and other manufactured goods from China, with other Asian economies such as India, Viet Nam and Singapore also reporting robust export growth. On the downside, Europe’s export decline has been led by a contraction in the automotive and chemicals sectors, both of which are concentrated in Germany.

    The outlook for services trade remains more positive than for goods, with the value of global commercial services trade in US dollars rising 8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024. More comprehensive services data will be released later this month, but continued strong growth is anticipated for the second quarter.

    Returning to merchandise trade, we are seeing increasing evidence of trade fragmentation driven by geopolitical concerns. Trade is increasingly conducted among like-minded economies, a trend accelerated by the war in Ukraine. However, we have yet to observe a broader shift towards regionalization or near-shoring on a global scale.

    The full report is available here.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK government seals further £225 million investment in Teesside renewables industry with financing deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    One of the largest factories in the global offshore wind sector will expand and support even more jobs after UK Export Finance worked with Korean investors to secure new financing.

    • UK Export Finance and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation have guaranteed new financing for a major South Korean investment into Teesside.

    • This has unlocked new £225 million in financing from Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC UK for SeAH Steel Holding’s construction of a wind tech factory near Redcar. 

    • The financing supports an additional investment which will help the mega-factory to produce wider range of components for the offshore wind sector and meet latest industry demands.

    Based in Teesside, one of the world’s largest offshore wind technology factories will become even bigger after new government support for a South Korean investor. 

    Supported by backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF), SeAH Wind UK has now made an additional £225 million investment into wind technology manufacturing in Teesside. This brings their total investment into the site at Teesworks Freeport up to £900 million. 

    This was made possible after SeAH Steel Holding received financial guarantees from UKEF and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure) – the UK and South Korean export credit agencies – meaning that it could access £225 million in new financing for its ongoing factory build. 

    UKEF and K-Sure first supported the project in 2023. New support brings their joint backing for this project up to £590 million, with Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC UK providing the finance. 

    Wind monopiles act as the foundation for most offshore wind turbines and are critical to the growth of the global renewable energy sector. Upon completion of the factory, SeAH Wind UK will export to US and European markets. 

    New financing means that the factory will be able to produce even bigger monopiles and a wider range of products to meet industry demands, supporting the UK’s place in the global offshore wind supply chain. 

    The project will create up to 750 jobs by 2027 – a milestone in the development of a thriving offshore wind and renewables industry in North-East England.  

    Chris Sohn, Chief Executive of SeAH Wind UK, said: 

    With the proactive support of UKEF, our project is progressing smoothly. As we approach the completion of the factory construction, we are committed to ensuring its successful finalisation. We aim to become the first monopile manufacturing company in the UK and make a significant contribution to the UK economy.

    Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: 

    This investment shows that there is international confidence in the UK economy and its ability to support the industries of tomorrow.

    UK Export Finance is helping to secure overseas investment in Teesside and around the UK through its financing offer. By working with HSBC UK, Standard Chartered and K-Sure to support investment into this project, the government is bolstering North-East England’s position as a leader in renewable energy expertise.

    Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, said: 

    We are delighted to provide our continuing support to SeAH Group for its new offshore wind monopile manufacturing factory in Teesside, North-East England. Through its expanded manufacturing capabilities, the factory will significantly contribute to the needs of the offshore wind industry and play an essential role in addressing the growing demand for renewable energy. This project underscores the importance of export finance in helping our clients grow their operations globally and facilitating their journey to net zero.

    Yoshi Ichikawa, Head of Structured Export Finance for Europe, Standard Chartered, said:  

    We are proud to build on our previous financing provided in November 2023, to support SeAH Group’s additional investment and enhancement of the UK supply chain in the wind sector. It is an example of the important role we play in helping our clients and sectors to make credible progress on their net zero ambitions, while supporting economic development across our markets.

    SeAH Wind UK, a subsidiary of South Korean steel company SeAH Steel Holding, announced its decision to invest and broke ground at Teesworks Freeport in 2022.  

    The ongoing construction has already created major contracts for the UK supply chain in manufacturing, construction and logistics, including a £100 million contract for British Steel. 

    UKEF’s support was provided under the Export Development Guarantee (EDG) product, which is available for overseas companies investing in new UK exporting opportunities and has also secured a major investment into Welsh paper manufacturing at Shotton Mill, Deeside.

    Notes to editors

    • UKEF’s Export Development Guarantee (EDG) helps companies who export from or plan to export from the UK access high-value loan facilities for general working capital or capital expenditure purposes. 

    • Of the new financing, UKEF guaranteed over £157 million whilst K-Sure guaranteed over £67 million.  

    • This follows previous financing worth £367 million in 2023, of which £257 million was guaranteed by UKEF and £110 million by K-Sure.

    Contact

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Decisions of Innofactor Plc’s Extraordinary General Meeting and the organizing meeting of the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Innofactor Plc Stock Exchange Release October 11, 2024, at 13:00 Finnish time

    Removing the transfer restrictions on the remuneration shares of the members of the Board of Directors

    In previous Annual General Meetings, Innofactor has approved decisions regarding the remuneration of the Board of Directors. It has been decided that Innofactor requires Board Members to hold the shares they receive as annual compensation for the duration of their Board Membership. This means that there is a restriction on the transfer of these shares during their tenure.

    According to the proposal presented in the meeting invitation, the General Meeting decided to remove all transfer restrictions on all shares received as compensation by the Board Members elected at Innofactor Plc’s Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2024, prior to the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting.

    Board of Directors’ remuneration

    The General Meeting decided that the remuneration for the Chairman of the Board and Board Members will remain unchanged, in accordance with the decision made at Innofactor’s Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2024. However, for the Board Members elected at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the remuneration will be paid entirely in cash, proportionate to the length of their term, taking into account any remuneration already paid to the continuing Board Members. Therefore, the General Meeting decided to pay the Chairman of the Board 5,000 euros per month and Board Members 2,500 euros per month for the duration of their term, with the monthly cash remuneration for continuing Board Members reduced by 50 percent if they have already received a share-based remuneration. No separate meeting fees will be paid.

    Additionally, the General Meeting decided that the remuneration already paid to the Board Members in accordance with the decision made at Innofactor’s Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2024, will be paid in full, and no repayment of the already paid remuneration will be required based on the length of their term.

    The General Meeting decided that for those Board Members who were not re-elected and whose term ended at the conclusion of the Extraordinary General Meeting, the monthly cash remuneration, as determined by the decision of the Annual General Meeting, will be paid until the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting.

    Composition of the Board of Directors

    The General Meeting decided that the Board of Directors shall have four members. Mr. Sami Ensio and Mr. Risto Linturi were re-elected as members to the Board of Directors, and Mr. Antti Kummu and Mr. Timo Larjomaa were elected as new members of the Board of Directors for a term that begins at the conclusion of the Extraordinary General Meeting and ends at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting. The term of those Innofactor Board Members who were not re-elected ended at the conclusion of the Extraordinary General Meeting.

    At the organizing meeting held after the Extraordinary General Meeting, Mr. Antti Kummu was elected as Chairman of the Board.

    The Board elected Mr. Antti Kummu as the chairman of the remuneration committee and Mr. Timo Larjomaa and Mr. Risto Linturi as its members.

    The minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting will be available on Innofactor Plc’s web site at https://www.innofactor.com/invest-in-us/general-meeting/ as of October 25, 2024, at the latest.

    Espoo, October 11, 2024

    INNOFACTOR PLC

    Board of Directors

    Additional information:
    Sami Ensio, CEO
    Innofactor Plc
    Tel. +358 50 584 2029
    sami.ensio@innofactor.com

    Distribution:
    NASDAQ Helsinki
    Main media
    http://www.innofactor.com

    Innofactor
    Innofactor is the leading driver of the modern digital organization in the Nordic Countries for its about 1,000 customers in commercial and public sector. Innofactor has the widest solution offering and leading know-how in the Microsoft ecosystem in the Nordics. Innofactor has about 600 enthusiastic and motivated top specialists in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Innofactor Plc share is listed in the technology section of the main list of NASDAQ Helsinki Oy. http://www.innofactor.com #ModernDigitalOrganization #PeopleFirst #CreatingSmiles #BeTheRealYou

    The MIL Network –